Belfast's SSE Arena is launching a new theatre format which will transform the arena into a smaller more intimate capacity.

The venue has officially launched Theatre at The SSE Arena, a draped and enclosed format which transforms the Arena into a smaller intimate capacity for 3,500 visitors, creating an entirely different atmosphere and experience.

In the coming year, more acts than ever before will play in this format, including The Johnny Cash Roadshow, The Magic of Motown, Big Girls Don’t Cry and ‘The King is Back’ with Ben Portsmouth as Elvis.

Following a trial throughout 2015, The SSE Arena has now invested in the brand and equipment needed to bring Theatre-style shows to the Arena on a regular basis.

To provide an authentic theatre feel the Arena has invested in an innovative drape system and a new, state-of-the-art PA system.

Neil Walker, General Manager of The SSE Arena Belfast, said: “When we first considered opening a theatre format we carried out a lot of market research and discovered that Northern Ireland was missing a venue which could cater for acts who would like to play for 1,500 – 3,500 people. Some shows work best in a more intimate venue and we will now be able to bring them to Belfast and offer our customers even more choice.

“Our Theatre format aims to bring our audiences closer to the acts while also giving them the same great atmosphere they expect from the Arena. We have an exciting schedule of shows booked for 2016 making it our busiest year ever and many of these shows are on sale at the moment. There are plenty of options on offer in the run up to Christmas for Theatre at The SSE Arena and a full range of concerts are planned for next year.”